Published: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 5:01 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

A toothy tomato emblazoned on the sign of a new west-side restaurant might provide a little insight into the good-humored nature of its owner and the fun he hopes to have in Spartanburg.

New Jersey native Peter Gambino is bringing his Monster Subs concept to the former Sub Station II space at 115-B E. Blackstock Road in the Blackstock Plaza shopping center next to Dorman Centre.

Gambino, who is in the process of renovating the 2,500-square-foot space, said the eatery will be a New York-style sub shop, deli and arcade that taps into his Italian roots. He has targeted opening in late April.

“We're really excited,” Gambino said. “We visited a few places in Spartanburg to kind of feel for what was here and I can tell you that there's really nothing like it in the area. We think we're going to have a lot of fun … We're taking our time because we want to do it right.”

The restaurant will be bathed in bright colors. The owner said he plans to have flat screen TVs and other amenities for diners.

Its menu will live up to its name, Gambino said. It will feature made-to-order subs, wraps and paninis piled high with hand-sliced meats, fresh cheeses and other tasty ingredients.

The “Knuckle Sandwich” is just one of the signature subs on Gambino's menu, as well as chicken parmesan and a Philly cheesesteak.

Monster Subs will have a selection of beers and wines, and will offer delivery.

He hopes to entertain diners with more than a dozen video games, including some nostalgic and some new.

“I think we really have something here with the diversity of our offering,” Gambino said.”

Gambino said one of his two sons is a senior at the University of South Carolina-Upstate.

He and his wife fell in love with the community while visiting their son. The couple recently decided to relocate to the county from the Jersey Shore area, where they operated a small chain of Monster Subs locations.

The Gambinos will be joined in the venture by their children, except for their daughter, who chose to stay in New Jersey. They plan on adding a few more employees along the way.

Gambino said he wants to add more stores throughout the Upstate and has his sights set on one day franchising the business.

“I love it down here,” Gambino said. “I think the people are great — courteous and friendly. When you honk the horn, the other driver waives at you. Up North you'd probably get a much different reaction.”

<p>A toothy tomato emblazoned on the sign of a new west-side restaurant might provide a little insight into the good-humored nature of its owner and the fun he hopes to have in Spartanburg.</p><p>New Jersey native Peter Gambino is bringing his Monster Subs concept to the former Sub Station II space at 115-B E. Blackstock Road in the Blackstock Plaza shopping center next to Dorman Centre.</p><p>Gambino, who is in the process of renovating the 2,500-square-foot space, said the eatery will be a New York-style sub shop, deli and arcade that taps into his Italian roots. He has targeted opening in late April.</p><p>“We're really excited,” Gambino said. “We visited a few places in Spartanburg to kind of feel for what was here and I can tell you that there's really nothing like it in the area. We think we're going to have a lot of fun … We're taking our time because we want to do it right.”</p><p>The restaurant will be bathed in bright colors. The owner said he plans to have flat screen TVs and other amenities for diners.</p><p>Its menu will live up to its name, Gambino said. It will feature made-to-order subs, wraps and paninis piled high with hand-sliced meats, fresh cheeses and other tasty ingredients.</p><p>The “Knuckle Sandwich” is just one of the signature subs on Gambino's menu, as well as chicken parmesan and a Philly cheesesteak.</p><p>Monster Subs will have a selection of beers and wines, and will offer delivery.</p><p>He hopes to entertain diners with more than a dozen video games, including some nostalgic and some new.</p><p>“I think we really have something here with the diversity of our offering,” Gambino said.”</p><p>Gambino said one of his two sons is a senior at the University of South Carolina-Upstate.</p><p>He and his wife fell in love with the community while visiting their son. The couple recently decided to relocate to the county from the Jersey Shore area, where they operated a small chain of Monster Subs locations.</p><p>The Gambinos will be joined in the venture by their children, except for their daughter, who chose to stay in New Jersey. They plan on adding a few more employees along the way.</p><p>Gambino said he wants to add more stores throughout the Upstate and has his sights set on one day franchising the business.</p><p>“I love it down here,” Gambino said. “I think the people are great — courteous and friendly. When you honk the horn, the other driver waives at you. Up North you'd probably get a much different reaction.”</p>